Shocking moment gang of robbers crash stolen Jaguar into cop car in horror head-on smash
Two men and a 14-year-old boy stole the £25,000 motor and threatened a 76-year-old classic car owner with a hammer before the collision.
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This is the shocking moment a stolen Jaguar hits an unmarked police car head on
Credit: Merseyside Police
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The police car is thrown backwards and smoke can be seen coming from the Jagaur
Credit: Merseyside Police
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O'Connor, one of three defendants in the Jaguar, tried to flee
Credit: Merseyside Police
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He was detained by police on the pavement nearby
Credit: Merseyside Police
Norman O'Connor, Colin Miller and a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, brazenly pinched cash from the man's pockets during the horrific burglary.
Threatening the man with a hammer, the gang of three stole his vintage Jaguar after raiding his home.
They then wrote off the vehicle, which was driving at speed with the lights switched off, in a head-on crash with a police car.
Liverpool Crown Court heard how the 76-year-old man, who has not been named, was at home alone watching television on the evening of December 20 last year.
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He then "heard a loud bang" as his windows were smashed.
The three defendants then proceeded to enter the property through the broken window.
One of them brandished a hammer at the classic car collector demanding money.
Prosecutor, Helen Chenery, described how the pensioner gave them £240 from his pocket before one of the offenders took the keys to his £25,000 Jaguar from his briefcase.
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All three then fled the address and sped away with the vehicle.
Just minutes later, the stolen car ploughed head-on into an unmarked police car on Heyworth Street in Everton as they were pursued by other patrols.
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Two officers were in the police car at the time with the Jaguar, driven by O'Connor, said to be travelling up to 90mph prior to the collision.
The 37-year-old fled before he was detained nearby on the pavement while the 14-year-old boy was discovered in the front passenger seat with a leg injury.
Miller, meanwhile, was flung from the back seat and into the centre console.
One of the officers in the unmarked police car suffered "bruising and pain" while the other will be left with permanent scarring after a cut to his hip.
A statement from the 76-year-old Jaguar owner was read to the court which said: "Prior to the incident, I was an independent 76-year-old man who lived on his own. My home is meant to be a safe space.
"I knew, because of my age, that I was unable to fight. These males entered my home, where I'm meant to feel safe, and made me feel vulnerable and scared.
"This has affected my family greatly, to the point where they want me to relocate to Southampton to ensure that I'm safe and that nothing like this will happen again."
He went on to add that many of the motors in his classic toy car collection, which were damaged in the attack, were presents from his wife who passed away a few years ago causing him "a lot of heartache".
The robbery comes a month after O'Connor stole a £429 coat from John Lewis in Liverpool One shopping complex before he was detained in the city centre for possessing a set of bolt cutters.
He also set fire to a Vauxhall belonging to his neighbour in May 2024.
His criminal record shows 17 previous convictions for 32 offences including burglary, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving.
Peter White, defending, said on O'Connor's behalf that there was "no justification" for his conduct and that the defendant told him that this period of his life was "dominated by drink and drugs".
He went on to tell the court that O'Connor's offending "massively escalated" after his long-term relationship came to an end in 2018 and he lost contact with his young son.
The court heard how O'Connor was living with his 70-year-old mother who is in poor health and his "greatest fear" is that he will not be there for her in her final days.
Miller has 40 prior convictions for 112 offences dating back to 1987 - 54 of which are theft related matters.
The 54-year-old's counsel, Brendan Carville, told the court that he has not been well and is currently awaiting test results for bowel cancer.
Carville added that Miller "bitterly regrets" his involvement and "apologises to both complainant and the court".
O'Connor admitted robbery, theft, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, theft and going equipped for theft - he has been locked up for nine years.
Miller pleaded guilty to robbery and theft and was jailed for eight years and one month.
Sentencing, Recorder Richard Pratt KC said of the 76-year-old victim: "It is clear that his independence and pride was shattered by your actions on this night.
"The only real mitigation that can be advanced on either of your behalves is the fact that you pleaded guilty."
The youth, now aged 15, was previously handed four years and seven months in youth detention.
He admitted robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a bladed article in a public place, two counts of racially aggravated assault, assault, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.
He was also found guilty of wounding with intent having repeatedly stabbed a man in the street earlier this year.
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Norman O'Connor was locked up for nine years
Credit: Merseyside Police
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Colin Miller, 54, has been jailed for eight years and one month
Credit: Merseyside Police
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